So I loaded up the kids both in the big double stroller--which we have not taken out in a little while because of the extra strain it is for me to push both heavy children--and we had a mobile breakfast.
The weather was gorgeous--too windy for my taste, but not hot and not dusty. Our street was surprisingly busy because there was an estate sale going on at the end near the intersection. The kids just happily munched away at their waffles and I wasn't struggling to push them as much as I have in the past.
My first thought was to go to Bright Horizons to discuss enrollment for the kids next year.
You see, we aren't entirely certain what we are going to do there. Gabriel would certainly benefit from it at least until February, when he may transfer to the special preschool.
Benjamin will be too young when the school year begins, but could start going as early as 6 weeks so that if I get called in to substitute teach, I don't have to worry about what we should do with him.
Emerald would adore going back and seeing her friends, but if we get her enrolled in the headstart program, she can't miss two days a week of the preschool or they will not allow her to continue to go; but if she does not get accepted, we need Bright Horizons as alternative daycare.
The problem with all of this is that if we do not enroll them soon, then there may not be room available for them. If we go ahead and enroll them just to be safe, then we have to pay the enrollment fees which won't be refunded. If the kids go there at all during the next year, we have to pay for their spot, even if they aren't currently attending. For example, if Gabriel goes until February and then transfers out, we have to continue to pay for February through May. If we want Benjamin to go in the spring or when I am substituting, we have to start paying for him in September when school starts through May, even if he infrequently attends.
It is a bit of a conundrum, so I wanted to bend the ear of the director, let her know what was going on and see if she had any advice for me to help me decide who--if anyone--we would enroll for next year.
Unfortunately, she was not there, but I got to talking to a volunteer that works for Bright Horizons that we have seen a great deal. She asked if I had enrolled the kids in VBS, and I told her I didn't think we could afford it. Apparently, it is free--didn't know that. Thought it was going to cost. Neat. Well, I said, aren't they too young to go? Wrong again--they start taking kids as young as 6 months. It is all next week, from 6.20 to 8.30 in evenings, which is right after Mike gets off of work.
I am thrilled--I didn't think this was an option for us; and now Mike and I are going to get a couple hours a night without the kids, and the kids are going to get to go and socialize and have a great time. We got them all signed up and enrolled, which didn't take any time at all, and I left feeling quite pleased and happy.
On the walk home, I realized that Janelle--the counselor for LCU that Michael and I had premarital and marital counseling with--may have some good advice regarding Gabriel and good family de-stressers that might help us all feel calmer and more relaxed. Of course, she wasn't in yet either. She was going to get in at 11, but she had an appointment and might not have the time to see or visit with me. I just left a "just stopped by to say hi" note for her and the kids and I walked back home. Surprisingly, I wasn't as worn out as I usually am walking--maybe I am getting stronger!
When I was walking home, a woman that was going to the estate sale stopped and asked if I knew anyone that used sign language to communicate. I was taken aback, but I told her that Gabriel's primary communication is done through sign. She told me that she was a part of a group of volunteers that teach sign language to those that need it, and give videos of the Bible being signed (including some amazing ones for kids). I had my hands full at the time, but invited her to stop by some time for us to talk about it--God works in mysterious ways, and I wasn't going to turn down a potentially rewarding resource without checking into it first.
Cassie says I am weird because I get solicited, even when I am not home!! She kind of has a point--I need a "No Soliciting" t-shirt.
When we walked in the door, I got a call from Headstart, wanting to set up a time for us to come in an apply for Emerald to attend next semester. Because she won't be four until September, we can't do it through the school system; instead, we have to do it through the HeadStart program directly. That's cool--I hope wherever she ends up going is not very far away!! But Michael and I will meet with them next Thursday, after Michael's check-up for his leg and before my Dr. Killeen appointment.
I feel so sorry for Mike--his days off suck.
Starting to feel the effects of too active of a morning, I sit down with a big cup of ice (Mike bought me a 20lb bag!) and my phone rings again. Normally, this would stress me out because of everything else going on, but I was feeling calm and productive, so I go ahead and answer it--it's Dr. Roger's office calling to schedule an appointment because of a referral they had received.
I don't know if you remember, but Dr. Rogers was the third specialist--the developmental pediatrician--that we got referred way back when. The ENT and the allergist/immunologist had all ready called and seen us, and we were still waiting on Dr. Rogers (which, admittedly, we knew was going to be a bit of a wait). That was when we decided to go ahead and make the appointment to do the autism evaluation with Dr. Driskell--we were sick of waiting and wanted answers.
Anyways, after several months (probably about 3 months since we put in the referral) of waiting, they finally call us and tell us that they can see Gabriel in December. A total of nine months to get in to see this doctor...I can make a new person in that time! But I went ahead and made the appointment so that we can get the second opinion. I texted Cassie because it was just so funny to me; she had to stop by anyway to get me to sign a release for information for Dr. Driskell. She thought it was pretty funny too =)
Now the kids and I are taking a much deserved break, so I am going to catch a nap while they are still sleeping (hopefully)!!
~Andie~
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